Ekaterina Panteleeva

Durham University Business School

“Empathetic leader and a high-performer, working mom to a toddler, passionate about women’s health, sustainability, and AI.”

Age: 39

Hometown: Omsk, Siberia, Russia

Fun fact about yourself: I love diving into snow right after a hot sauna – something that is pretty standard if you grew up in Siberia like I did.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Omsk State University, Russia – degree in linguistics

Where are you currently working? Nicholas Hall Company – Vice President, Head of Strategic Consultancy and Market Analysis

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of building a high-performing, international team that spans multiple regions and cultures. Together, we delivered impactful strategic work for global clients while working in a collaborative culture. Seeing the team thrive and support one another has been my greatest professional reward, as a healthy work environment benefits everyone.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose Durham’s Online MBA because it offers world-class business education with global recognition, a strong heritage, and excellent rankings. The hybrid model was especially appealing — it combines the flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to attend in-person modules, which I’ve enjoyed in both Durham and San Francisco through the partnership with the University of San Francisco. Moreover, entrepreneurship pathway offered by Durham aligned with my interests perfectly.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part was the opportunity to learn in a way that truly encouraged growth and development. Being in an environment that empowered me to explore diverse topics — from strategy and economics to sustainability and innovation — was inspiring and intellectually rewarding.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? The experience has been incredible for me, and it goes far beyond simply comparing online versus in-person learning. Of course, the online format offered flexibility, which allowed me to balance education with my existing commitments. But more importantly, the approach to learning was transformational. In my undergraduate degree, the focus was mainly on absorbing knowledge and passing exams. At Durham, I was encouraged to critically analyse concepts and reflect deeply on what I learned. This shift fundamentally changed how I view education and has been a defining part of my journey.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My advice is to be proactive, take ownership of your learning, and apply your learning to real-world business challenges whenever possible. For most modules, I reached out to companies and based my assignments on real business challenges. This approach made the experience more engaging and practical, and it broadened my perspective on global issues.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Before starting the MBA, I already held the most senior role in my company, reporting directly to the founder and CEO, so I did not pursue the program with promotion in mind. My motivation was purely driven by a desire to learn, grow, and develop. That said, the MBA has opened new possibilities — I’m now exploring an early-stage start-up opportunity with fellow students focused on supporting working mothers, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I chose an online MBA because I wanted to integrate education into my life without putting my career on hold. During the program, I also became a mother, and the flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance being a parent, working, and pursuing my studies.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My online education has helped me in many ways. It clarified my values and the leadership style I want to embody, making me a more thoughtful and effective leader. I gained valuable insights into change management and developed greater confidence in finance and economics, especially through the module that deepened our understanding of annual reports. I also discovered an AI-enabled tool during one of the modules, which I’m now implementing at my company, and it has the potential to transform how we work. Pant, Durham

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? One way Durham integrated AI into the program was through a dedicated session covering AI’s fundamentals, current applications, and future potential. It was a fantastic foundation that helped demystify the topic and sparked curiosity. I remember one lecturer saying, ‘Don’t be the person in the room who thinks AI is just ChatGPT.’ It was a powerful reminder that AI is far broader, more complex, and exciting.

What insights did you gain from using AI? So many! One key insight was realising how AI can complement my everyday professional and personal life. As mentioned, I’m currently introducing an AI-enabled analytical tool at my workplace, which I discovered during one of the modules. The value is in combining my team’s deep industry knowledge with the power of AI – it is a partnership that enhances speed, quality of our work, and profitability.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 15

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate goal is to continue growing as a leader who builds or contributes to creating supportive, empathetic, and high-performing working environments, where everyone feels valued, enjoys working together, and is empowered to do their best work. I strive to create that kind of positive, purpose-driven environment no matter the role or setting.

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